The Bible and Slavery

Paper Summary:

The paper analyzes how the Bible was used throughout pre-Civil War times to argue both for and against the now-defunct institution of slavery. The paper firstly discusses several primary sources that argue for slavery, in that it is a divine right that it has always been, and that it is merciful. The paper then examines several primary sources that refute slavery on religious grounds.

From the Paper:

"In our society of today, when moral or political arguments arise, it is only too common to find those on one side using biblical scripture as their proof, evidence, or solid ground, while the other side often relies upon common sense, logic, science, or human and secular philosophy and ethics. In the fight over abortion, those in the pro-life camp cite scriptures and Bible verses and take solace in their religious leaders, while those who are pro-choice do not rely on supernatural or religious thought for their stance. When politicians and advocates argue about the rights of homosexual individuals and couples, one side aligns with their god and their religious texts, while the other side aligns with a common sense of morality toward others. Yet moral debates in the United States were not always aligned along such religious and secular boundaries."

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